Auguste Rodin, ridden by Ryan Moore, showed incredible determination to win the prestigious Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. The favorite at odds of 13/8, Auguste Rodin claimed his sixth Group One victory by holding off challengers Zarakem and Horizon Dore in the 1-mile, 2-furlong race.
This win was significant for both Moore and trainer Aidan O’Brien. Moore’s triumph with Auguste Rodin marked his 81st win at Royal Ascot, tying him with Frankie Dettori for second place behind Lester Piggott on the all-time list. Meanwhile, O’Brien celebrated his 400th Group/Grade One win as a trainer, highlighting his remarkable career in horse racing.
Auguste Rodin, a descendant of Deep Impact, has a history of major wins in prestigious races like the Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Turf. Despite some setbacks as a favorite in previous races, Moore praised the horse’s courage and determination to win the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
O’Brien acknowledged the challenges they faced in strategizing for Auguste Rodin’s races, admitting that they had made mistakes in the past by not riding him more positively. With Moore’s proactive approach in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, the team saw Auguste Rodin’s true potential and his ability to perform well when ridden forward.
Looking ahead, O’Brien hinted at the possibility of sending Auguste Rodin to America for future races, considering the horse’s adaptability and performance on different tracks. However, the decision ultimately rests with the owners, and O’Brien remained open to their preferences for the horse’s future competitions.
Regarding a potential showdown with City Of Troy, the winner of this year’s Derby, O’Brien remained diplomatic, emphasizing that the owners would make the final call on race entries. Despite the uncertainty of future matchups, O’Brien expressed confidence in Auguste Rodin’s capabilities and the team’s improved understanding of how to maximize the horse’s potential in upcoming races.